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Paraplegia: a life-changing effect of medical malpractice

In 2010, a man checked into the ER complaining of chest pain. He was dismissed as having inflammation of the lungs, but he returned three days later with back pain, the inability to void, and he was cursing profusely. After numerous tests and consults, the hospital diagnosed the patient with spinal compression. By the time the hospital was able to get the patient into the operating room to do an emergency spinal cord surgery it was too late. The man remained paraplegic for life. On the grounds of failure to diagnose (a form of medical malpractice), the plaintiff sued three doctors working at the hospital. They settled on the total of $3.5 million.

Those afflicted with paraplegia as a result of medical malpractice have the right to compensation. Weitz & Luxenberg wants to hear your case today. We have a wealth of experience handling medical malpractice cases and we understand the egregiousness of paraplegia as a result of medical malpractice. There is no need to wait. Start the process of seeking compensation immediately.

Defining Paraplegia

Paraplegia, quite simply, means to be paralyzed in the lower half of the body (MedTerms.com). Paraplegics tend to need extensive medical care and check-ups. The average length of stay in a hospital for someone suffering from paraplegia and tetraplegia (paralysis of all four limbs) is 7 days (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03).

Aside from the inability to walk, there are many other challenges a paraplegic may face including:

Inability to control bladder

Depression/Suicide

Pressure sores – which may lead to serious infections

Confined to only handicapped accessible places (without great difficulty)

Additional medical care

How can medical malpractice cause paraplegia?

Health care providers can make many mistakes that cause paraplegia. Some of the more prominent ones include (Goliath):

Failure to diagnose

Mistake during spinal cord surgery

Hospital neglect

Unsanitary conditions during an operation resulting in a paralyzing infection

What Weitz & Luxenberg can do to help

Those who have become paraplegic as a result of medical malpractice have the right to seek compensation for:

Treatment costs

Hospital visit expenses

Pain and suffering

Loss of income

Loss of future income due to forced retirement

Medication costs

Cost of necessary apparatuses (such as wheelchairs)

Cost of any necessary hired help

Any out-of-pocket expenses such as travel expenses and phone bills

Debt incurred such as missed car payments due to hospitalization or other causes related to the incident

Weitz & Luxenberg can help you through this process. Simply fill out the form on this page. Explain your medical malpractice case in detail. It is easy, quick, and does not bind you to our law firm in any way. After submitting the form, a representative at Weitz & Luxenberg will review your case and contact you to discuss your options. This service is completely free.